‘Dancing with the Stars’: Season 11 Winner Is…

After a controversial season filled with more than its fair share of upsets and uproars, we have a winner.

Perfection prevailed (and justice was served) as season-long frontrunners Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough were named the winners of Season 11′s ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Producers said “a record amount of activity” overloaded the voting system after Monday night’s episode.

“I almost didn’t compete tonight, but I’m really glad I did,” Grey said fighting back tears. Grey, who’s been plagued with injuries all season, revealed earlier in the night that she ruptured a disc during Monday’s performance, forcing her to go to the hospital Tuesday morning, so she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to perform on the big finale.

The 50-year-old ‘Dirty Dancer’ beat out Disney star Kyle Massey for the mirror ball trophy, while surprise finalist Bristol “The Pistol” Palin came in third place.

An underdog who beat the odds and landed in the final three, Palin said after her elimination, “It’s definitely been such a life-changing experience … I’ve had the time of my life.”

Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough: Viennese Waltz
The pair chose to bookend their time on ‘DWTS’ by recreating their very first dance. Nice choice. But, ooh, Derek messed up some footwork early on in the dance causing many of us to go, “ewwww.” Carrie Ann noted how “there was a new wisdom in your body.” “You are the complete package,” said Len. And, Bruno called it “a blissfully beautiful waltz.”Score: 30

Kyle Massey and Lacey Schwimmer: Tango
Fierce, fearless and freakin’ awesome! Loved the added edge that performing a classic dance like a Tango to a modern song like Adam Lambert’s “If I Had You” gave this performance. “You come out straight on, full on, full of energy and that is why you are such an exciting dancer to watch,” said Len. Bruno called him a “talented young man.”Score: 26

Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas: Tango
Say what? Even though they were docked a point for breaking a hold to play air guitar, Bristol decided to give a slap in the face to the judges and do it again. “It was worth it,” she said. I’m talking about their Rock Week Tango. “You earned your place in the finale,” said Bruno. “This, I think, is by far my favorite,” said Carrie Ann. “It was even bigger and broader this time.” Len said she and Kyle are two sides of a coin – she lacks attack, he has the wow factor.Score: 25

Interesting twist here. All three couples danced their Instant Dance, a predetermined Cha Cha Cha, to Pink’s “Raise Your Glass.” When one couple was done, the next came out to take over the dance floor and so on. It was seamless and fun! Mark Ballas probably danced his butt off more than anyone, and even bumped and grinded with Bristol like there was no tomorrow.

“Bristol you came out on fire,” said Len. Bruno called her Cha Cha Cha the “best.” (What?) “Jennifer, the artist, I don’t know what you did but this Cha Cha Cha was perfection,” said Bruno. Carrie Ann said Bristol and Mark inspired hope. (What?)

7. The athletic dance-off between Rick Fox and Kurt Warner was the most entertaining dance either of them did all season. A ‘Dancing’ first?

6. Christina Aguilera’s performance of a song from her new movie ‘Burlesque’ and her hit ‘Beautiful’ was amazing, but the chatter in the press room is whether she looked pregnant or not. What did you think?

5. David Hasselhoff’s ‘Baywatch’-themed performance with some of the professional dancers in the iconic Pamela Anderson red swimsuit. Hilarious!

4. Quote of the Night: Bristol saying that winning would be like giving the finger to all the Palin family haters out there. Classy. “Going out there and winning this would mean a lot. It would be like a big middle finger to all the people out there that hate my mom and hate me,” Palin said.

3. Well, it wasn’t the freestyle we hoped for, but Brandy and Maks returned for their ‘Friends’-themed Quickstep. (Did we detect pain behind that smile?)

2. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino’s bit about running for office as a lead-in to dancing to Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy.” Shirtless, of course. And, yes, the time machine returned. But what about his abs? I’m just saying…